Hundreds of children swam, biked and ran for a cause on Saturday.
Kids4Kids Florida Charities Inc. hosted the Fifth Annual Triathlon and Fun Run, which benefitted Shands Children’s Hospital, Child Advocacy Center and One Room School House. Children ages 4 to 18 could participate in the events, which were held at Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club.
Joli Day, one of the event organizers and the O2B Kids representative, said this was the biggest year yet in terms of turnout and money raised. The annual events raised about $26,000 total in the last few years, Day said.
“We were doing triathlons and doing different things and thought it would be so much fun to have the kids do one but make it where the kids are raising money for other, less-fortunate children,” Day said. “And it just took off.”
Michael Keller, a 24-year-old sports management junior and volunteer from UF’s TriGators triathlon team, said he likes having the opportunity to give back to the community.
“It’s good to expose children to healthier options and get them thinking a little differently and paying a little more attention to their body, because it relates to the mind,” Keller said.
Jhett Hill, 9, ran the triathlon, which consisted of a 50-yard swim, 1-mile bike and half-mile run, in the 7- to 9-year-old division.
“We love them being active,” said Jerry Hill, Jhett’s dad. “It’s worth the time and effort to get up early on a Saturday morning to do it. We support them all the way.”
Ava Joy, 12, competed in the 10- to 12-year-old division, participating in a 100-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 1-mile run. She first attended the event last year to help support a friend’s little brother, she said, and decided to return this year.
She finished second in her age division
“It was really fun and good, and I think I did really well,” Ava said.
On Sunday, the second annual Gainesville Duck Derby was in full swing. It included a 1-mile fun run, games at every tent, a bounce house and a rubber ducky race. Winners could win up to $2,000 if their duck reached the end of the giant waterslide first. The event raised money for organizations such as the Child Advocacy Center for abused children.
